Name: Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounce box bow-tie or farfalle pasta (medium size #66), cooked and drained; 8 ounce package of fresh mozzarella pearls (mini mozzarella balls); 2 cups (1 ½ pints) grape tomatoes, cut in half; 1 small bunch fresh basil, chopped and divided; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; ⅛ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons grated garlic (about 2 cloves); 0.6 ounce packet Italian seasoning dressing mix; ½ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey

There’s something about the fresh flavors of basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes combined in a pasta dish that just sings summer. This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is one of my favorites to bring to get-togethers because it looks gorgeous and tastes like sunshine on a plate.

The image shows a close-up of a pasta salad featuring bowtie-shaped pasta as the main layer, cooked to a light yellow color with a slightly shiny texture. Mixed in throughout are bright red cherry tomatoes, some halved to show their seeds, adding vibrant color. Small white balls of mozzarella cheese are scattered evenly, creating a soft, smooth texture contrast. Finely chopped green basil leaves are sprinkled on top, adding fresh green touches across the dish. The pasta and ingredients are inside a white bowl with a subtle shine, resting on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon sits in the bowl, lifting some pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella, highlighting the colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What really draws me to this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is how effortlessly it combines simple, fresh ingredients into something so flavorful and satisfying. I've made this salad for everything from casual picnics to fancy brunches—and it never disappoints.

Bright fresh flavor: The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil gives every bite a burst of freshness.
Easy to make ahead: It chills beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead side that gets even better as the flavors meld.
Pretty presentation: Those bow-tie pastas mixed with red, white, and green ingredients look stunning on any table.
Customizable and forgiving: You can tweak the dressing, toss in extras, or use different pasta shapes to fit what you have on hand.

The image shows a white plate filled with farfalle pasta mixed with bright red cherry tomatoes, small white mozzarella balls, and thin strips of green basil scattered on top. There is a light drizzle of dark balsamic glaze over the pasta. A spoon holds a serving of the pasta mixture close to the camera, showing the pasta’s bowtie shape and the fresh tomato halves and whole mozzarella balls in clear detail. In the background, a glass bowl with more pasta and tomatoes sits on a white marbled surface, along with a small glass jar of dark balsamic sauce and a spoon inside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe lies in how each ingredient complements the other — fresh, creamy, and tangy all at once. Shopping tip? Look for ripe grape tomatoes and good-quality mozzarella pearls for the best flavor punch.

Flat lay of colorful grape tomatoes halved to show their juicy interiors, glossy fresh mozzarella pearls scattered gently, bright green fresh basil leaves and sprigs, perfectly cooked bow-tie pasta with a subtle sheen, a small glass jar of dark balsamic glaze with honey shimmering inside, golden honey droplets glistening nearby, and a few garlic cloves, all beautifully arranged with natural light highlighting their fresh textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Bow-tie pasta (farfalle): Its playful shape holds the dressing and mixes nicely with the other ingredients.
Fresh mozzarella pearls: Tiny and creamy, they distribute perfectly throughout the salad — no big chunks, just little pockets of cheesy goodness.
Grape tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these add a pop of color and freshness.
Fresh basil: This herb brings that unmistakable Caprese aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!
Extra virgin olive oil: The base of the dressing that ties everything together with richness and depth.
Balsamic vinegar: A touch of tangy sweetness; when reduced to a glaze, it adds a beautiful finish.
Honey: Balances the acidity and adds a mild sweetness for harmony in the dressing and glaze.
Garlic: Freshly grated gives a subtle punch without overpowering the salad.
Italian dressing mix: The secret seasoning boost that rounds out the dressing flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing this up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Adding a handful of arugula for peppery bite or swapping in sun-dried tomatoes adds a new twist. You can even swap the mozzarella for feta if you want a tangier cheese.

Variation: Once, I tossed in some grilled chicken for a heartier main dish, which was a hit with my family. It’s a flexible salad that adapts well to what you crave.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the bow-tie pasta according to the package directions—usually about 10 minutes for al dente. Trust me, don’t overcook it or your salad gets mushy. Once done, drain well and spread it out in a large bowl so it cools slightly while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Whip Up the Balsamic Dressing

While the pasta cooks, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, grated garlic, and your Italian seasoning mix in a jar or bowl. Give it a good whisk or shake until everything comes together smoothly. Pop this dressing in the fridge to chill and let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

To your pasta bowl, add halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh chopped basil—save some basil for garnish later! Pour in half a cup of the chilled dressing and gently toss everything together so each bite gets coated nicely.

Step 4: Let It Chill and Marinate

Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is key! It lets all those flavors blend wonderfully, giving you a salad that tastes fresh yet complex.

Step 5: Make the Balsamic Glaze Garnish

While the salad chills, make this simple glaze: combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan, bring to boil, then turn heat down. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until it reduces by half and gets syrupy. Let it cool completely before drizzling.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle on that reserved fresh basil and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top for a gorgeous, glossy finish that tastes as great as it looks.

Top Tip

I’ve found that the magic in this salad is in chilling it long enough and balancing the dressing just right. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help make your Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe shine every time.

Don’t skip chilling: Letting the salad marinate in the fridge for 2 hours really amplifies the flavors — I once tried serving it fresh, and it was good, but not as good.
Dressing balance: If you prefer it tangier, add a splash more balsamic vinegar; for sweeter, a bit more honey. Taste test your dressing before tossing.
Use fresh ingredients: The basil and mozzarella freshness makes all the difference — I go out of my way to get the best I can.
Make the glaze low and slow: Gentle simmering is key to getting the perfect syrupy glaze without burning it.

How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Caprese Pasta Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with extra chopped basil and a drizzle of that beautiful balsamic glaze—it’s like the cherry on top both visually and flavor-wise. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or toasted pine nuts adds a nice crunch.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or shrimp for a light meal. For sides, simple garlic bread or a crisp green salad rounds out the meal nicely without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a summer party, I served the Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars layered with pesto on the bottom—it was an instant hit and so easy for guests to grab and go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It tastes great for up to three days, though I recommend adding fresh basil right before serving leftovers to refresh the flavor.

Freezing

I don’t freeze this salad because fresh mozzarella and tomatoes don’t thaw well, but you can freeze the balsamic glaze ahead of time in small containers to save some prep on busy days.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so if leftovers are chilled, just let them sit out for 15 minutes before serving. It keeps the flavors fresh and the mozzarella soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta shapes in this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Bow-tie pasta is traditional here, but penne, rotini, or even shells work great because they all hold the dressing well and mix nicely with the ingredients.

How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, the salad stays fresh for about 3 days. Flavor may mellow over time, so it’s best enjoyed within that window.

Can I make the balsamic glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The glaze keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm it slightly or let it come to room temperature before drizzling.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

You would need to omit the mozzarella or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the salad is naturally vegan friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s versatile, vibrant, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re packing a picnic, feeding a crowd, or just craving something fresh and easy, this salad delivers every time. Give it a try—you’ll soon find yourself reaching for it again and again.